A modern, thriving society (Part 5)

1. How long does Diwali normally last for?

• 5 days
• 8 days
• 3 days
• 7 days

Diwali normally falls in October or November and lasts for five days. It is often called the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and the gaining of knowledge. There are different stories about how the festival came about. There is a famous celebration of Diwali in Leicester.

2. Which TWO are 20th century British inventions?

• Concorde
• Television
• AC motor
• Aspirin

Britain and France developed Concorde, the world's only supersonic passenger aircraft. It first flew in 1969 and began carrying passengers in 1976. Concorde was retired from service in 2003. The television was developed by Scotsman John Logie Baird in the 1920s. In 1932 he made the first television broadcast between London and Glasgow.

3. What is known as Lent?

• The 40 days before Easter
• The 40 days after Easter
• The 40 days before Christmas
• The 40 days after Christmas

The 40 days before Easter are known as Lent.

4. People don't celebrate Christmas as much as they used to before

• True
• False

Christmas remains very popular in the UK. People usually spend the day at home and eat a special meal, which often includes roast turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies.

5. Which official holiday is celebrated on the 30th November in Scotland?

• Hogmanay
• Bonfire Night
• St Andrew's Day
• Father's Day

Only Scotland and Northern Ireland have their patron saint's day as an official holiday. Events are held across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the rest of the country, especially where there are a lot of people of Scottish, Northern Irish and Irish heritage.

6. What are traditional pub games? (Select TWO)

• Pool
• Darts
• Lottery
• Slots

Most communities will have a 'local' pub that is a natural focal point for social activities. Pub quizzes are popular. Pool and darts are traditional pub games.

7. The BBC is controlled by the UK government

• True
• False

The BBC is the largest broadcaster in the world. It is the only wholly state-funded media organisation that is independent of government. Other UK channels are primarily funded through advertisements and subscriptions.

8. James Watt was famous for his work on what?

• Economics
• Human nature
• Steam Power
• Radio

James Watt's work on steam power, helped the progress of the Industrial Revolution.

9. Which of these is known as West End in London?

• Theatreland
• Playland
• Actorland
• Actland

There are theatres in most towns and cities throughout the UK, ranging from the large to the small. London's West End, also known as 'Theatreland', is particularly well known.

10. What is the currency used in the UK?

• Pound sterling
• Euro
• Dollars
• Gold

The currency in the UK is the pound sterling (symbol £). There are 100 pence in a pound.